Transmission Swap!
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New User
Joined: Nov 2020
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Transmission Swap!
Hey everybody,
I spent all day Installing a floor shifter because my shift collar broke on my 1980 f100 3 on the tree. It was a pain in the butt and it hits my bench seat.
Anyways, I was thinking about returning the floor shifter and just swapping an automatic transmission from the junkyard. I found another 1980 F150 with an AT. My question is what all would need to go into making this change? I know that I would have to put a new steering column on and I would probably just grab the gauge cluster from the same truck.
They are both 2 Wheel drive. What other parts would I need? Is this a pretty easy installation?
I spent all day Installing a floor shifter because my shift collar broke on my 1980 f100 3 on the tree. It was a pain in the butt and it hits my bench seat.
Anyways, I was thinking about returning the floor shifter and just swapping an automatic transmission from the junkyard. I found another 1980 F150 with an AT. My question is what all would need to go into making this change? I know that I would have to put a new steering column on and I would probably just grab the gauge cluster from the same truck.
They are both 2 Wheel drive. What other parts would I need? Is this a pretty easy installation?
Fleet Mechanic
Joined: Jul 2003
Posts: 1,844
Likes: 129
From: Atlantic Canada
What engine is in your truck, and what engine is in the one at the junkyard? You need to be very careful swapping flywheels and flexplates on these trucks if you have a 300, 302, 351, etc.
So you'll need the correct flex plate for your engine. 302 and 351 flexplates are interchangeable sometimes, but not always.
You'll need the starter for the automatic trans.
You should also grab the transmission crossmember and driveshaft, cooling lines to rad, etc.
So you'll need the correct flex plate for your engine. 302 and 351 flexplates are interchangeable sometimes, but not always.
You'll need the starter for the automatic trans.
You should also grab the transmission crossmember and driveshaft, cooling lines to rad, etc.
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New User
Joined: Nov 2020
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Trans swap
I have 4.9 300 i6. I’m not sure what transmission is in the truck at the junkyard. All I know is that it’s an automatic. I purchased a hurst Indy 3-speed universal shifter and it’s terrible. If I don’t do the auto swap, My only other option is to get a hurst mastershift shifter. Anyone have a good experience with this?
Moderator
Joined: Jan 2001
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From: Virginia
Why not look for a old 4 speed and bolt it up? They came with floor shifters factory. It might slip right in place, and there is a chance you might not need driveshaft work. I am thinking you could use your old 3 speed bellhousing with the 4 speed, not positive on that though.
FTE Legend
Joined: Nov 2015
Posts: 30,915
Likes: 4,123
From: Angier, NC
POJ, where in NC are you? Close to Raleigh?
To swap to an auto is a lot of work and not knowing what that JY one is its hard to say if it would be worth the work for a swap or if it is even any good?
See if that JY has any of the later 5sp that would have over drive. As long as the transmission is from a small block it will bolt to your 300 six motor.
Yes a 302 & 351 are small blocks.
You will need the pedal assy. as the newer trans use a master & slave to work the clutch and the clutch pedal & shaft are different than yours.
Get the trans w/shifter, the pan that fits over the transmission hump, master & slave (to match up if you get new), cross member parts and drive shaft and it may be a bolt in other that the drive shaft.
You would not need to swap flywheels and your clutch should work but I would replace it being you are there already.
I think the 5sp would be the best way to go at this time but that's me.
Dave ----
To swap to an auto is a lot of work and not knowing what that JY one is its hard to say if it would be worth the work for a swap or if it is even any good?
See if that JY has any of the later 5sp that would have over drive. As long as the transmission is from a small block it will bolt to your 300 six motor.
Yes a 302 & 351 are small blocks.
You will need the pedal assy. as the newer trans use a master & slave to work the clutch and the clutch pedal & shaft are different than yours.
Get the trans w/shifter, the pan that fits over the transmission hump, master & slave (to match up if you get new), cross member parts and drive shaft and it may be a bolt in other that the drive shaft.
You would not need to swap flywheels and your clutch should work but I would replace it being you are there already.
I think the 5sp would be the best way to go at this time but that's me.
Dave ----
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